What is your favorite sport?    I know if I don't say football my husband will give me the glare. Seriously, I love football season because I enjoy getting together with family and friends to watch the Steelers. My boys are participating in the Seneca Valley Junior Football Association and I see what a positive impact football is making in their lives.

What are your goals?: So far, my goals have been a surprise to even me. When I started running (about 2 years ago), I signed up for the Pittsburgh Marathon with the hopes of just completing it. After months of training, I thought a great goal would be to break 4 hours. At the finish line, somebody told me I missed qualifying for Boston by 7 seconds. My first response, "What's Boston"? Once it was explained to me I thought it would be great to qualify which I did last September in Erie. Then the unthinkable: the broken toe. After surgery and months of rehab to learn to walk again, my goal was to just finish Boston. Surprise again:  re-qualified. I always have ideas in my head of what I hope to achieve but in the end I always seem to surprise myself. With the Erie Marathon approaching everyone keeps asking me what my goal is. I have an idea in my head but I know the reality of it is anything can happen on race day. So I always tell everybody my goal is to just finish and be able to see the excitement in my kids' faces when I bring home that finishers medal. Being a role model for my children is the biggest goal I can achieve!

What motivates you?:  My husband and my children are definitely the biggest motivators in my life. My husband John is actually the one who got me off of the couch and back in the gym after my daughter was born. We had been members of the YMCA for about a year before I could tell you what the inside of it even looked like. He would actually say to me, "I will watch the kids. Please go workout. It will make you feel so much better." Little did he know that it would eventually become my second home. My family is so supportive and it's that support that keeps me doing this activity day after day. I can't think of a better motivator than seeing the faces of your family and hearing their cheers on race day. Priceless!!! I do, however, have to mention the motivation I receive from Joella and the other incredible athletes that make-up the Cranberry Y Dawn Crackers. These individuals give me that added push that I need to keep up with the group. I know when I hear Joella screaming my name it's because she knows I can push harder.

What's your favorite food?   Pizza...Biggest Weakness! I have tried my best to make it as healthy as possible but sometimes you have to splurge. Nothing tastes better than a huge slice of pizza and a glass of Coke (not diet).

What's your favorite song, band or music to listen to when exercising? I am a huge Elton John and Billy Joel fan. You can imagine my disappointment when my husband and I drove all the way to Buffalo to see them together in concert last summer and just as we crossed into New York we found out the concert was cancelled. If you scroll through my Ipod you will find everything from Barry Manilow to Metallica. I think I may be the only person who enjoys working out to Copacobana.

If you could pick one athlete to talk to or workout with, who would it be and why? Kara Goucher. After seeing her interviewed following her 3rd Place finish at the Boston Marathon, my heart went out to her when she could not hold back her tears. She is amazing and I would love to have the opportunity to tell her that. I am sure if I would workout with her my marathon pace would be her walking pace.

What is your favorite sports drink and energy fuel? My favorite sports drink is Strawberry Powerade Zero. My husband has a picture of me following the Boston Marathon passed out in bed with empty Powerade bottles all around me. Yes, I have a problem. I am addicted to Powerade Zero. My favorite energy fuel is Honey Stinger Chews. I remember Valentine's Day of 2009. My husband knows I am not a fan of flowers so he got me the best gift a husband could get his wife: A box of energy chews and a massage stick. Best Valentine's Day to date. Nothing says love like chews and The Stick.

If you compete, what is the one race or competition you would like to do at least once?  I am not the best swimmer but one day I would love to complete a triathlon. After attending the North Park Triathlon I was inspired even more. Two things missing: a road bike and proper swimming form. Oh look, a new goal! One day I would also like to compete in an Ultra Marathon. I don't know if my body will allow it, but my mind says "Go for it."

What is your favorite race you've competed in? My favorite race I have competed in has got to be The Boston Marathon. I probably wouldn't have said this at mile 23 but as I reflect with a clear mind it was an awesome experience. Two of my favorite highlights of the race: (1) Hearing my husband shout my name as I came down Boyleston since I was purely working on mental energy at this point (2) Being able to share this experience with my best buddy Alice Wiesner.

List some of your major athletic or health accomplishments? I didn't have many athletic accomplishments growing up since I was not much of an athlete. I was a cheerleader and a trumpet player in the band (I know, quite a combo. It worked at the time.). I can play a mean rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Most of my athletic accomplishments have only occurred in the past 2 years. I definitely have to say completing the Boston Marathon has to be the biggest accomplishment, especially re-qualifying after overcoming such an injury as a broken toe. Completing the Pittsburgh Marathon is another huge accomplishment since it was my first marathon. However, as I look back to my high school days I discovered another accomplishment. I remember every year we had to participate in the Presidential Physical Fitness Test. One of the events we had to complete was the 600 yard dash. I dreaded this every year. I remember always wishing I was one of those girls on the track team that blew threw this like it was a walk in the park. I remember walking up to the local playground behind the gym teacher knowing I would soon we wanting to vomit from exhaustion. As I reflect on this high school moment that I faced for 4 years straight, I now look to today and how far I have come.

What are some of your biggest challenges with staying fit? Definitely staying injury free and maintaining this level of physical activity. Injury can happen so quickly so it is never far from my mind.

Anything else you would like to add? I definitely have to mention Joella since she has guided me throughout this amazing journey. Without her, none of my accomplishments would have been possible. Thank you Joella for everything!!!